NAF reduces water level at Ondo site after 14 days of recovery efforts

he Nigerian Air Force has significantly reduced the water level at the site of its crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery operations entered their 14th day.

The aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in a swampy mangrove area in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, on October 5, 2026.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said continuous pumping had significantly lowered the water level, while efforts were ongoing to remove most of the remaining water.

“Continuous pumping has significantly reduced the water level at the site, with the recovery team working towards removing most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions,” the statement read.

Ejodame added that the recovery team was reinforcing the embankment with sandbags to prevent collapse and maintain stability as the dewatering operation continued.

“Reinforcement of the embankment with sandbags is also ongoing to prevent collapse and maintain stability as dewatering continues,” he said.

The Air Force acknowledged the difficulties involved in the recovery operation, noting that the team had to sustain engineering and dewatering efforts in challenging conditions.

“The operation requires sustained engineering and dewatering efforts under challenging conditions, underscoring the scale and complexity of the recovery mission,” the statement added.

The service commended the recovery personnel and partner agencies for their efforts, with special recognition for Hitech Construction Company for its support.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also praised the team for its commitment to the operation.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the recovery team for its resilience and professionalism, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to completing the operation safely and methodically while supporting the ongoing aircraft accident investigation,” the statement said.

The Air Force also expressed sympathy for the families of those who died in the crash, acknowledging the grief they continued to experience.

The service reiterated its commitment to the recovery exercise and promised to keep the public informed.

“The Service remains committed to sustaining recovery efforts and providing timely, verified updates as the operation progresses,” the statement read.

It also appreciated the patience and cooperation of the Igbokoda community and the continued support of stakeholders involved in the operation.

PUNCH Online had reported that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos, when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am on October 5.

The Air Force later confirmed that all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.

Recovery efforts have been complicated by the swampy, waterlogged terrain where the aircraft went down. The operation involves the NAF, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, emergency responders and other supporting agencies.

Meanwhile, residents of Igbokoda have raised concerns about the possible environmental impact of the crash, including reports of a strong stench and potential contamination of the river used for domestic activities and fishing.

The recovery operation is continuing alongside the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.

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